Bewitching the Knight: (A Medieval Time Travel Romance) Read Online Free

with Ian’s loyalty could better serve him by taking over this strategic location.
    When Ian arrived, he’d wished to turn the land back to his cousin. What cared he for his supposed clan? He’d barely be welcome if the fever hadn’t taken his father, father’s wife, and two legitimate sons earlier in the year. If the king’s boot hadn’t been firmly planted to his neck, he might well have relinquished all.
    But, like or not, the king did insist. And these people were his blood. He’d come to realize—whether the clan knew it or not—they needed him. Besides, he’d no place else to go. He couldn’t return to the king, and despite his mixed blood, he’d never tolerated England. This place was his by right of blood, no matter that some might say otherwise. Or mayhap it was simply pure stubbornness keeping him in place. They didn’t want him? Too bad.
    Brecken’s mount fidgeted, no doubt sensing the excitement of the rider.
    “Hold yourself, cousin.” Ian kept his tone low.
    “A few minutes more ’til we attack?” Brecken whispered.
    “Mm.” Ian merely grunted.
    Brecken licked his lips. “Think you they have a priest in the village?” he whispered. “One we could merely borrow for a time?”
    Ian turned a stony-eyed gaze on his cousin. “And have him burn your sweetheart in the village square? I think not. A priest wouldna last even a day ere he made it to Inverdeem, would he?”
    Brecken’s shoulders slumped. “Just for a day or so. After, we could take him back. He wouldn’t have to stay long and we could treat him poorly if you like.”
    Ian sighed. In the months since he’d driven out the last priest, the two newly married couples had handfasted for lack of clergy. Traveling alone was too dangerous an attempt, so the couples settled. Ian refused to feel guilty that Brecken’s choice of wife disinclined to have him until a priest could be found. ’Twas not his problem.
    Put a power-hungry priest in place and see the murdering, raping, and thievery like to arise. Besides, if they all feared sin and everlasting fire so much, perhaps they should cease trying to kill him before their immortal souls were jeopardized by murder.
    Of course, as they thought him the devil, perhaps they simply hoped to send him home. And mayhap they had the right of it. He’d single-mindedly honed his skills, and, when still considered a lad, he’d found and gutted the priest who’d killed his mother. With none the wiser. All without a qualm. Justice meted.
    He lifted his shoulders, shrugging off the issue. He had other business to concern him. Like taking the most likely suspects raiding, and letting them accept their fates.
    So far, none had worked the courage to attempt the deed, but he suspected Brecken was close. Let the boy act against him. Let them all attack at once and see what joy they received for their troubles.
    “Somethin’ amuses you?”
    Ian turned to the man astride the horse to his left. Dugald McClintock, his second, and no relation to any man there, was a tough, strong fighter, and had been at his side for years. Close in age, Ian bested the brute in several tourneys and they’d ended up traveling side-by-side for safety. The time spent together had turned into friendship, and Dugald was the only one present Ian trusted. Tall, broad of shoulder, body wiry and tough, he’d been with Ian through war, tourneys, the king’s court, and now here. So far, Dugald wasn’t overly impressed with Ian’s family. No surprise there. Neither was he.
    “Contemplating a nice, juicy steak for dinner?” Dugald spoke softly.
    Ian smiled. “Aye. If I’ve the stomach for it after this night.”
    Dugald sent a look of understanding. After three attempts on Ian’s life, both men were eager to expose the culprit. Brecken? Hired spies sent from the Comyns or the Durwards? He hesitated to suspect his own clan, but he must. He’d no intention of becoming a pin pillow for any man’s dagger this night.
    He glanced